Going all dispassionate, there a at least 3 different issues here:

1. Does the Catholic clergy have a much higher rate of abuse than the societies from which they draw. Apologists say it’s about the same, but the stats, especially from generations past, are a problem.

2. Whatever the sexual crimes of individuals, the Church in a deep leadership disaster. Cardinal Lay was “booted-up” to one of the most prestigious churches in Rome. The issue is treated with same-old same-old.

3. If issue (1) shows pastors are no better and no worse than the run of men, what is the philosophical impact on the value of the religious life?